Jim Limber Davis: A Black Orphan in the Confederate White House

By Rickey E. Pittman

Book Overview

Jim Limber Davis was rescued from an abusive relative by First Lady Varina Davis when he was only five years old. Jefferson and Varina Davis then became his legal guardians and Jim lived with them in the White House for several years,
enjoying life as a member of their family. When the Union Soldiers invaded Richmond, Virginia, and captured Jefferson Davis, they also kidnapped Jim Limber. Soon after his capture, cruel rumors spread that Jim Limber was Jefferson Davis 1/2 slave. After the Civil War, Jefferson Davis tried to locate Jim, but he was never found.

This true story shows how Jim Limber was accepted as one of the Davis's own children and reveals their love for him. Although Jim 1/2s whereabouts after the war still remain a mystery, this story offers an example of compassion during this complex time in our nation's history.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 158980435X
• ISBN13: 9781589804357
• Release Date: May 2007
• Publisher: Pelican Publishing Company
• Length: 26 Pages
• Weight: 0.96 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 8.8" x 11.2"
• Age Range: 7 to 9 years
• Grade Range: Grades 2 to 4

Customer Reviews

Highly recommend

As a librarian, I'm always looking for quality literature that offers a sound, if differing, perspective on topics. Jim Limber Davis was a black orphan who was rescued, loved, and adopted by the Jefferson Davis family, abducted by Northern soldiers and beaten to force him to testify against the Davis family, which he did not. Where is this story in any of our history books? Rickey Pittman is a talented author and historian who has penned an outstanding piece that needs to be in every library and many homes. Kudos.

This glimpse of a largely unknown and unseen side of the Confederate White House.

Award-winning author Rickey Pittman presents Jim Limber Davis: A Black Orphan in the Confederate White House, a children's picturebook revealing the amazing true story of a young black boy rescued from his cruel guardian by Varina Davis, wife of Confederate President Jefferson Davis. Jefferson Davis registered Jim as a free black child and became his guardian; Jim was treated well and enjoyed happy times in the Confederate white house during the civil war. Yet when the Union won, Jefferson Davis was imprisoned and Jim Limber was taken away by Union soldiers. Jim Limber was displayed as a "slave" of Jefferson Davis, though he tried to protest that the scars inflicted upon him were from his first master, not from the former Confederate President. By the time Jefferson Davis was freed from prison, Jim Limber had disappeared, never to be heard from again - what happened to him remains a mystery to this day. Earthy illustrations by arts teacher Judith Hierstein add a complementary touch to this glimpse of a largely unknown and unseen side of the Confederate White House.

A love story in the midst of war.

I found myself to be on a rollercoaster of emotions while reading about Jim Limber Davis. I was angered by his abuse; I found myself smiling as I read about his adventures with the Davis family and was saddened when he was abducted. The illustrations are incredible and bring the story to life. I look forward to hearing my grandchildrens reviews about the mysterious story of Jim Limber.

About Time

It is about time someone wrote about this tragic little boy. I have told this story to incredulous listeners for years. I am overjoyed to think that now more people will know this little boy's name and probable fate. A great Christmas gift with excellent art work and lively, readable text.